Town of Kindersley discusses changes to mobile home regulations
By Stu Salkeld
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Your West Central Voice
KINDERSLEY – The Town of Kindersley council gave initial approval to changes to the way mobile homes are regulated and permitted within the community. First reading of a zoning bylaw amendment was passed at the Aug. 24 regular meeting of council.
Director of Infrastructure and Development Chad Levitt presented councillors with Bylaw 09-26, which was an amendment to the town's zoning bylaw.
In his verbal presentation Levitt stated that town staff developed this amendment to the zoning bylaw that affects only the mobile home section of that original bylaw, and that these changes came about after consultation with the owners of Kindersley's three mobile home parks.
Levitt stated that councillors were already aware of the housing challenges facing rural communities like Kindersley and that affordable housing is in short supply across the entire country.
He noted that the proposed zoning amendment adjusts age restrictions for mobile homes in Kindersley, but keeps in place all building code restrictions.
The proposed amendment included regulations such as: "Mobile homes shall conform in all respects to the CSA-Z240 MH Series of Standards and shall visibly display the required CSA approval label or specification plate as proof of compliance.
"Mobile Homes must be placed on an appropriate foundation as described in the National Building Code of Canada.
"All mobile home parks shall conform to The Public Health Act and its Regulations.
"All roadways in the mobile home park shall have a minimum of 15.0 meters right-of-way, be hard-surfaced and self-draining.
"A minimum of ten (10%) percent of the gross area of the mobile home park shall be devoted to communal open space or recreational facilities.
"All construction of habitable living quarters must be above grade, basements are prohibited.
"All attached and accessory structures shall require a building permit and shall comply with the requirements of the National Building Code of Canada and the Building Bylaw of the Town. All accessory buildings shall not exceed 75 m2 (800 ft2) in area."
The proposed changes did not include any restriction on the age of a mobile home.
It was noted this bylaw amendment was discussed by councillors in their closed session.
Councillors unanimously passed first reading of this bylaw, and it was noted the amendment will now be publicly advertised. The bylaw will return to a future council meeting for further debate.